Richmond goes down academic path

Malcolm Richmond has turned his back on the private sector and joined the education arena with his appointment to Curtin University of Technology as professorial fellow in the Curtin Business School and the WA School of Mines.

Curtin vice-chancellor Lance Twomey said he believed Mr Richmond had the vision, ability and leadership qualities to enhance the university’s business practices while boosting research and development.

“It is rare within the Australian university system that an industry leader of his calibre joins a major university at a senior level,” Professor Twomey said.

Until recently Professor Richmond was managing director of Development at Rio Tinto subsidiary Hamersley Iron Pty Ltd.

Professor Richmond held a variety of roles with the Rio Tinto Group spanning thirty years including managing director of research and technology.

He was also deputy chairman of the Australian Minerals Research Council, vice-president of the WA Chamber of Commerce and Energy, non-executive director of Amdel Limited and HIsmelt Corporation and chairman of the Resources Institute of WA.

“As professorial fellow he will provide a wider bridge between Curtin and WA industry,” Professor Twomey said.

“He will also teach in the areas of business strategy, mergers and acquisitions, international business, resource science and technology, mining strategy and hedging and finance.”

Professor Richmond said he hoped to boost Curtin’s links with the Rio Tinto Group, which includes the operations of Hamersley Iron, Dampier Salt and Argyle Diamonds, and worldwide interests in countries such as Brazil, India, West Africa, Canada and the US.